Q. Who is the author of Glimpses of the Past?
Ans. The chapter is illustrated by S. D. Sawant and presents historical events through a pictorial narrative.
Q. What is the main subject of Glimpses of the Past?
Ans. The chapter describes important events leading to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Q. How did the British East India Company gain power in India?
Ans. It gradually expanded its political and military control through trade, alliances, wars and annexations.
Q. What was the condition of Indian rulers under British expansion?
Ans. Many rulers lost their independence and came under British control.
Q. How did British policies affect Indian artisans?
Ans. British policies and imported machine-made goods harmed many traditional Indian industries and artisans.
Q. What was one effect of British rule on Indian peasants?
Ans. Heavy land revenue demands placed great financial pressure on many peasants.
Q. Why were Indian soldiers unhappy with the British?
Ans. They faced discrimination and were dissatisfied with several military policies and conditions.
Q. What role did social reformers play during this period?
Ans. They worked to reform harmful social practices and promote education and awareness.
Q. Who was Raja Ram Mohan Roy?
Ans. He was a prominent social reformer who campaigned against sati and supported modern education.
Q. What was the Doctrine of Lapse?
Ans. It was a policy under which the British annexed certain states when a ruler died without an accepted natural male heir.
Q. What was the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857?
Ans. The introduction of rifle cartridges believed to be greased with cow and pig fat angered many Indian soldiers.
Q. Why did the cartridge issue offend Indian soldiers?
Ans. The cartridges were believed to violate Hindu and Muslim religious beliefs.
Q. Who was Mangal Pandey?
Ans. He was an Indian soldier associated with the events that helped spark the Revolt of 1857.
Q. Who became an important symbolic leader of the Revolt of 1857?
Ans. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor.
Q. Why did Indian rulers oppose British expansion?
Ans. They feared losing their kingdoms, authority and independence.
Q. What was the impact of British manufactured goods on Indian crafts?
Ans. Cheap imported goods contributed to the decline of many traditional crafts and industries.
Q. Why did peasants and ordinary people resent British rule?
Ans. They suffered from heavy taxes, economic hardship and unjust policies.
Q. What was the significance of the Revolt of 1857?
Ans. It was a major uprising against East India Company rule, although it was eventually suppressed.
Q. What happened to East India Company rule after the revolt?
Ans. In 1858, the British Crown took direct control of India.
Q. What is the central message of Glimpses of the Past?
Ans. Understanding colonial history helps us recognize the causes of resistance and the struggle for freedom.